GitHub security alert: Malicious code found in ‘tj-actions/changed-files,’ impacting 23K+ repos. Learn how to check, remove, and protect…

GitHub security alert: Malicious code found in ‘tj-actions/changed-files,’ impacting 23K+ repos. Learn how to check, remove, and protect your CI/CD pipelines.

Research firm StepSecurity’s CI/CD security solution Harden-Runner recently uncovered a security vulnerability within a GitHub Action, “tj-actions/changed-files,” used in over 23,000 repositories. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to discover secrets by reading action logs.

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-30066, affected all versions of the compromised Action. For your information, this action identifies files modified within pull requests or commits, allowing development teams to trigger processes like testing or deployments based on specific file changes. This approach enhances the efficiency of continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines

As per StepSecurity’s research, the malicious code focused on infiltrating the Runner.Worker process, designed to extract secrets, passwords, and authentication tokens exposed during CI/CD execution. In many scenarios, these sensitive details were likely made publicly accessible, potentially granting unauthorized individuals access to critical systems and internal services. 

The timeline of the compromise began with the introduction of a malicious commit, disguised as a routine Dependabot update, on March 14th. Immediately following this, all Action tags were redirected to point towards the compromised commit, placing a significant number of repositories at risk. Suspicious activity was subsequently flagged by the community, indicating the Action was exfiltrating environment variables and secrets.

Approximately twelve hours after this discovery, the repository was taken offline, effectively preventing further downloads of the compromised version. While the exact initiator of the takedown remains unclear, the repository was reactivated on March 16th, following the removal of the malicious commit. However, by this point, an estimated 23,000 repositories had already been exposed.

Due to the action’s widespread use, public GitHub repositories with enabled GitHub Actions were placed at considerable risk. The tj-actions maintainers claim that an attacker breached a GitHub personal access token (PAT) used by a bot with access to the repository.

GitHub responded by removing the compromised Action, necessitating users to seek alternative solutions. This removal, however, introduced potential disruptions to CI pipelines, particularly for those relying on non-cached versions.

Endor Labs exclusively published a blog post for its users, providing specific guidance on mitigating the impact. Customers utilizing the Endor Labs GitHub App were advised to search their dependencies for “tj-actions/changed-files” within the Endor Labs dashboard. Those using CI or CLI scanning were instructed to configure CI scanning with specific parameters to identify affected repositories. Additionally, auditing GitHub logs for suspicious IP addresses and rotating active secrets were recommended.

The primary objective of the attackers was likely to compromise the software supply chain, targeting open-source libraries, binaries, and artefacts generated by the affected CI pipelines, Dimitri Stiliadis, CTO and co-founder of Endor Labs, shared with his analysis Hackread.com.

“The attacker was likely not looking for secrets in public repositories — they are already public. They were likely looking to compromise the software supply chain for other open-source libraries, binaries, and artefacts created with this. Any public repository that creates packages or containers as part of a CI pipeline could have been impacted. That means potentially thousands of open source packages have the potential to have been compromised,” Stiliadis explained.

Organizations not utilizing Endor Labs were also advised to take immediate action. This included inspecting GitHub Actions workflows for the compromised Action, removing it from all branches, auditing past CI workflows for signs of compromise, and rotating any exposed secrets.

Malicious Code Hits ‘tj-actions/changed-files’ in 23,000 GitHub Repos

Scammers are sending fake extortion and ransom demands while posing as ransomware gangs, including the notorious Cl0p ransomware.…

Scammers are sending fake extortion and ransom demands while posing as ransomware gangs, including the notorious Cl0p ransomware. Learn how to spot these scams and protect your business from fraudulent attacks

Recent investigations by Barracuda Networks reveal a new trend in cybercriminal activity: the impersonation of notorious ransomware groups to defraud businesses. Researchers have documented incidents where individuals are falsely claiming affiliation with the Clop ransomware gang, leveraging the group’s notorious reputation to extort payments from unsuspecting companies to capitalize on the fear and notoriety associated with well-known cybercriminal organizations.

The latest research aligns with other recent findings that scammers have been spotted mailing fake ransomware letters to businesses’ physical addresses while posing as BianLian ransomware. These scammers have been targeting businesses in the United States by sending ransomware letters through the US Postal Service.

As for the latest campaign, Barracuda Networks’ report reveals that scammers have been crafting extortion emails that mimic the language and claims of genuine ransomware attacks.  

These emails often assert that the perpetrators have successfully infiltrated the target company’s network, exfiltrating sensitive data. To lend credibility to their claims, they reference publicly available information about actual attacks conducted by the group they are impersonating.

For example, they might cite news reports detailing a specific vulnerability exploited by the Clop gang, thereby creating a facade of authenticity. Such as in one email Barracuda Networks shared, scammers use Cl0p ransomware’s exploitation of a vulnerability in Cleo, which Hackread.com reported in December 2024.

It is also worth noting that phishing kits like FishXProxy and Telekopye allow even inexperienced scammers to create realistic phishing pages that mimic legitimate login portals. These platforms have the ability to dynamically adapt to user input and integrate with various communication channels, making them particularly effective at evading detection.

In addition to sophisticated phishing platforms, cybercriminals are also exploiting the vulnerabilities of file formats, such as Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). These files, which contain embedded scripts, are increasingly being used to deliver malicious payloads. Because these scripts are often overlooked by security tools, they provide a means for attackers to bypass traditional defences and compromise systems. 

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Scammers Pose as Cl0p Ransomware to Send Fake Extortion Letters

Spring Break vacationers could open themselves up to online scams and cyberthreats this year, according to new research from Malwarebytes.

This year, Spring Break vacationers are packing more than their flip-flops, bucket hats, and sunglasses—they’re also packing a few cybersecurity anxieties for the trip.

According to new research from Malwarebytes, 52% of people said they “worry about being scammed while traveling,” while another 40% admitted that they “worry about my kids or family sharing trip details online.” While most people said they will act on these concerns—63% will make sure their security software is up to date, 53% will back up their data—roughly 10% of people said they will take no precautions whatsoever into protecting their security or privacy while on vacation.

The findings reveal that the public approaches cybersecurity as a patchwork quilt, implementing some best practices while forgoing others, and engaging in a few behaviors that carry significant risk online.

For this research, Malwarebytes conducted a pulse survey of its customers in March via the Alchemer Survey Platform.

Broadly, Malwarebytes found that:

*   52% of people “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they “worry about being scammed while traveling.”
*   20% of people “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they “don’t really think about protecting my data while traveling.”
*   38% of people said they will book their next travel opportunity through a “general search,” which could leave them vulnerable to malvertising.
*   Apps are a way of life, as 66% of people said they use between one and six apps specifically for travel (such as hotel apps, airline apps, and translation apps). A particularly plugged-in 8% of people said they manage more than seven apps for the same purposes.
*   To stay cybersecure and private on vacation, the majority of people will backup their data (53%), ensure their security software is up to date (63%), and set up credit card transaction alerts (56%), but 10% will take none of these—or other—steps.
*   53% of people refuse to take a single laptop with them on vacation, whereas just 1% leave even their smartphone behind—talk about a holiday.

****Risky business break****

The cybersecurity risks around personal vacations are unlike those around the holidays for major organizations and businesses, in which cybercriminals know that low staffing will leave companies more vulnerable to an attack or breach.

Instead, far-flung Spring Breakers can engage in a series of behaviors both before and during their holidays that leave them open to online scams and theft.

Take, for example, the 38% of people who told Malwarebytes that they would conduct a “general search online” in booking their next vacation. While Google searches are probably one of the most common tasks for any vacation planning, the results that people see can be manipulated through a type of cybercrime called malvertising, short for “malicious advertising.” 

In malvertising, cybercriminals will create a fake website that looks like a popular service, like Facebook, Slack, or eBay. Cybercriminals will also pay a small sum so that these fake websites show up near the top of Google’s sponsored results for relevant searches. Once users click on the websites, which appear legitimate, they’re tricked into downloading malware or handing over sensitive information to scammers.

A safer option for vacationers is to book travel directly with an airline or hotel chain. Many participants wrote this approach into the Malwarebytes survey when selecting the “Other” option (14%). Interestingly, the 29% of respondents who said they use a travel agent for booking likely also receive some extra safeguards, simply because another, experienced, person is involved in the process.

But in the same way that cybercriminals have begun abusing Google search results to send victims to dangerous websites, they’ve also done the same to trick users into downloading fake versions of popular apps.

Android “phishing” apps are a serious threat to users today—Malwarebytes detected 22,800 of them last year alone—and, as we wrote before, they represent the next step in camouflaged cyber-scamming:

> “By disguising themselves as legitimate apps—including for services like TikTok, Spotify, and WhatsApp—Android phishing apps can trick victims into typing in their real usernames and passwords on bogus login screens that are controlled entirely by cybercriminals.”

The threat here endures long after the app is installed. If enough victims unwittingly send their passwords, cyber thieves could bundle the login credentials for sale on the dark web. Once the passwords are sold, the new, malicious owners will attempt to use individual passwords for a variety of common online accounts—testing whether, say, an email account password is the same one used for a victim’s online banking system, their mortgage payment platform, or their Social Security portal.

This wouldn’t be too much a problem if modern traveling didn’t involve so many apps.

According to our survey, 44% of people manage between two to four apps specifically for travel purposes, and 9% manage between five and six apps. And while 20% of people use zero apps for travel and 14% use just one app, there are 8% of people who rely on more than seven apps strictly for travel purposes.

That could include airlines apps, hotel apps, translation apps, and more. But as more apps help with traveling needs, more opportunities arise for those apps to be falsely emulated and maliciously advertised online.

As for what people do while physically on vacation, many engaged in online behaviors that could prove risky, but they can hardly be criticized for it.

For example, 25% of people said they scan QR codes while on vacation. These codes could lead people to malicious websites, but QR codes have become normalized at restaurants that no longer have physical menus. And 33% of people “log into financial institution sites or apps to manage \[their\] budget, check purchases, etc.” This type of activity was susceptible to online eavesdropping many years ago, but everyday internet connections have become far more secure in the past decade. That said, it’s inspiring to see that 41% of people “download or install a VPN” to provide an extra level of security when browsing on public Wi-Fi.

****Safe travels****

Cybersecurity is probably the last thing people want to “pack” before going away on a break, but, thankfully, it’s something that a majority of people said they do.

For instance, 63% said they “check that \[their\] security software is up to date,” while 53% said they “backup \[their\] data.” Similarly, 56% said they “set up credit card transaction alerts.” And while it isn’t quite a majority, 47% said they turn on “Find my Device” features which can help in case of a lost or stolen device. Interestingly, people do not commit to the same precautions for their bags—just 21% of survey participants said they “put a tracker in \[their\] luggage.”

Still, there’s progress to be made.

Not only did 10% of survey participants share that they take zero cybersecurity or data privacy precautions before traveling, but 20% also agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I don’t really think about protecting my data while traveling.”

For safety abroad, here are a few tips travelers can take before and during their next vacation:

*   **Backup your data before you head out**. Losing a device or having it stolen while on vacation won’t just ruin the trip itself—it will return the return journey, too. Backing up your data will help ensure that any lost device doesn’t lead to lost files.
*   **Turn on “Find My” features**. To respond to a lost or stolen device, turn on the “Find My” features on iPhones and Androids before your vacation so you can track a device’s location in real time.
*   **Protect your devices with antivirus and cybersecurity tools**. Modern cybersecurity tools don’t just stop viruses from landing on your devices, they also warn you about dangerous websites and links that could steal your info.
*   **Update your software**. Ensure that your devices are running on the latest versions of their operating systems. This helps prevent any known weaknesses from being exploited by cybercriminals.
*   **Use a password manager and 2FA**. Your most sensitive accounts shouldn’t just have a unique password. They should also be protected by two-factor authentication, which requires more than a password for anyone to login.
*   **Consider a VPN**. If you are doing something sensitive online, it never hurts to use a VPN. Bonus: If you’re travelling to another country where your favourite streaming shows aren’t available, a VPN can help here too.

**We don’t just report on threats—we remove them**

Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Keep threats off your devices by downloading Malwarebytes today.

 1 in 10 people do nothing to stay secure and private on vacation 

gurk (aka gurk-rs) through 0.6.3 mishandles ANSI escape sequences.

Attack vector: More severe the more the remote (logically and physically) an attacker can be in order to exploit the vulnerability.

Attack complexity: More severe for the least complex attacks.

Privileges required: More severe if no privileges are required.

User interaction: More severe when no user interaction is required.

Scope: More severe when a scope change occurs, e.g. one vulnerable component impacts resources in components beyond its security scope.

Confidentiality: More severe when loss of data confidentiality is highest, measuring the level of data access available to an unauthorized user.

Integrity: More severe when loss of data integrity is the highest, measuring the consequence of data modification possible by an unauthorized user.

Availability: More severe when the loss of impacted component availability is highest.

GHSA-89xp-c3mq-qj84: gurk (aka gurk-rs) mishandles ANSI escape sequences

Did you know that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves?…

Did you know that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves? For start-ups, the stakes are even higher. A single breach could lead to significant financial losses, tarnish your reputation and derail your growth trajectory. So, all things considered, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury or an afterthought, it is the need of the hour. 

As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, start-ups must recognise their vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to safeguard their operations. This guide explores the essential steps you need to protect your venture, from identifying risks to implementing strong cybersecurity practices.

****Why Cybersecurity Matters for Start-ups****

Start-ups often operate under the misconception that their small size makes them unlikely targets for cybercriminals. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Start-ups are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks due to their limited resources, growing digital footprint, and often less-developed security infrastructure. 

Cybercriminals understand that strained resources mean that start-ups cannot invest significant time, effort or money into large-scale security measures, making them easier targets. The generally tighter-knit employee pool also means that the company is more susceptible to social engineering tactics than a large decentralised corporation. 

The consequences of a cyber attack can be devastating for a start-up. Beyond immediate financial losses, businesses face potential damage to their reputation, loss of customer trust and legal ramifications. And for many start-ups, a significant security breach could mean the difference between survival and failure.

But cybersecurity is not always about the sheer volume of resources you can throw at the problem. Understanding the nature of the attacks headed your way can significantly help you fight against them. 

****Common Cyber Risks Facing Start-ups****

_Image via Freepik_

Understanding the threats your start-up faces is the first step toward protecting against them. Here are the primary risks that start-ups need to be aware of:

****Data Breaches****

Start-ups often handle sensitive information, including customer data, intellectual property and financial records. A data breach can expose this valuable information, leading to significant financial and reputational damage. This type of attack commonly targets large-scale data storage solutions like servers or data clouds. They can be especially damaging both in terms of financial losses as well as a large hit to the company’s reputation. 

****Ransomware Attacks****

These attacks encrypt a company’s data and demand payment for its release. Start-ups are particularly vulnerable due to their often limited backup systems and immediate need for data access to maintain operations. While the MO for them vary from social engineering to physically infecting systems, it usually involves the attacker using a custom-made program to lock away access to data and demand payment with the threat of deleting or releasing said data. 

****Phishing Scams****

Sophisticated phishing attempts can trick employees into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software (usually by masquerading as a trusted entity). These attacks often target start-ups due to their typically less-experienced workforce. Start-ups also often consist of a small group of employees who have high-level access to sensitive information, making them more vulnerable. 

****Cloud Security Vulnerabilities****

As start-ups increasingly rely on cloud services for operations, inadequate cloud security measures can leave sensitive data exposed to unauthorised access. Solutions like large offline server farms are often not feasible from a financial standpoint for start-ups leaving them with no backup in the case of Cloud service attack. 

****Cybersecurity Best Practices for Start-ups****

Implementing strong cybersecurity measures doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are key practices that every start-up should adopt:

****Regular Security Assessments****

Conduct periodic security audits to identify vulnerabilities in your systems and processes. This helps you stay ahead of potential threats and address weaknesses before they can be exploited.

****Data Encryption****

Implement strong encryption protocols for all sensitive data, both in transit and at rest. This ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorised parties. Encryption protocols and programs can get expensive, but they are often worth the investment.

****Access Control****

Establish strict access control policies, limiting employee access to only the data and systems they need for their specific roles. This is especially a concern for start-ups which often have a very small team of employees. This hierarchical access control restricts the damage that can be inflicted, even if just one employee is compromised. 

****Backup Systems****

Maintain regular backups of all critical data and systems, storing them securely off-site or in the cloud. This provides a safety net in case of data loss or ransomware attacks.

****How to Implement Cybersecurity Measures****

Creating a strong cybersecurity foundation requires a systematic approach and ongoing commitment. Here’s how to get started:

****1\. Develop a Security Policy****

Create clear guidelines for data handling, access controls and security procedures. This policy should be documented and easily accessible to all employees.

****2\. Invest in Employee Education****

While IT professionals with qualifications like a Master of Cyber Security understand the complexities of cyber threats, most employees will need additional security training. Regular security awareness training helps employees recognise and respond to potential threats, making them your first line of defence against cyber attacks.

****3\. Implement Technical Controls****

Deploy essential security tools such as:

*   Multi-factor authentication
*   Endpoint protection solutions
*   Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
*   Firewalls and antivirus software

****4\. Create an Incident Response Plan****

Develop and maintain a clear plan for responding to security incidents. This should include steps for containing the breach, assessing damage and notifying affected parties.

****5\. Regular Updates and Maintenance****

Keep all software and systems updated with the latest security patches. Regularly review and update security measures to address emerging threats.

****Building a Security-First Culture****

Creating a security-conscious culture is crucial for long-term success. This means making cybersecurity a priority from day one and integrating it into every aspect of your operations. Encourage open communication about security concerns and celebrate security-conscious behaviour.

****Investing in Cybersecurity****

For start-ups, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue – it’s a business imperative. By understanding the risks and implementing appropriate security measures, you can protect your venture’s future while building trust with customers and stakeholders. 

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Start with the basics, build incrementally, and stay vigilant as your business grows.

While the initial investment in cybersecurity might seem a lot, the cost of a security breach far outweighs the resources required for prevention. By taking proactive steps to secure your start-up today, you’re investing in its long-term success and sustainability in an increasingly digital world.

Feature/Top Image via Freepik

Start-up Security 101: How to Protect Your Venture from Cybersecurity Risk

The US extradites LockBit ransomware developer, Rostislav Panev, from Israel. Learn how his arrest impacts the fight against…

The US extradites LockBit ransomware developer, Rostislav Panev, from Israel. Learn how his arrest impacts the fight against cybercrime and understand LockBit’s devastating impact.

The United States has achieved a significant victory in its ongoing battle against cybercrime with the extradition of Rostislav Panev, a 51-year-old dual Russian and Israeli national, who is accused of being a key developer of the notorious LockBit ransomware. 

Panev is alleged to have been deeply involved in the development and maintenance of the LockBit ransomware from its inception around 2019 until at least February 2024. During this period, he and his co-conspirators are believed to have transformed LockBit into what the Department of Justice (DoJ) describes as “the most active and destructive ransomware group in the world.”

The group, operating as a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, is believed to have targeted over 2,500 victims across at least 120 countries, including approximately 1,800 victims within the United States. These victims spanned across critical sectors, encompassing hospitals, schools, and government agencies, causing widespread disruption and financial losses.

The financial impact of LockBit’s activities is staggering. According to the DoJ, the group successfully extracted at least $500 million in ransom payments, while causing billions of dollars in additional losses through lost revenue and recovery costs. Evidence uncovered by law enforcement indicates Panev’s direct involvement in the development of tools that facilitated these attacks.

“The LockBit group attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States. Their victims ranged from individuals and small businesses to multinational corporations, including hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, critical infrastructure, and government and law-enforcement agencies,” the DoJ’s press release revealed.

Authorities discovered administrator credentials on his computer, granting access to a dark web repository containing the source code for multiple versions of the LockBit builder, which enabled affiliates to generate custom malware.

They also found source code for the StealBit tool, used to exfiltrate stolen data, and evidence of direct communications between Panev and Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, the alleged primary administrator of LockBit. They were charged by the DoJ, discussing development work on the LockBit builder and control panel.

Furthermore, financial records revealed cryptocurrency transfers exceeding $230,000 from Khoroshev to Panev between June 2022 and February 2024, providing concrete evidence of their financial relationship. In interviews with Israeli authorities, Panev reportedly admitted to performing coding, development, and consulting work for LockBit, confirming the regular cryptocurrency payments he received.

Panev’s extradition from Israel, where he was apprehended in August 2024 following a US provisional arrest request, marks a crucial step in holding individuals accountable for their roles in the devastating ransomware attacks that have plagued organizations worldwide. He has since appeared before a US magistrate and will remain detained pending his trial.

Top/Featured Image: Pixabay/Maxleron

LockBit Developer Rostislav Panev Extradited from Israel to the US

Square Wire before 5.2.0 does not enforce a recursion limit on nested groups in ByteArrayProtoReader32.kt and ProtoReader.kt.

GHSA-pwf9-q62p-v7wc: Wire has Uncontrolled Recursion on Nested Groups

Open Networking Foundation SD-RAN ONOS onos-lib-go 0.10.28 allows an index out-of-range panic in asn1/aper GetBitString via a zero value of numBits.

GHSA-jrqj-6vq2-7r63: onos-lib-go allows an index out-of-range panic

Cybersecurity tips to protect your cryptocurrency from hackers, scams, and fraud. Learn best practices for securing digital assets…

Cybersecurity tips to protect your cryptocurrency from hackers, scams, and fraud. Learn best practices for securing digital assets and staying safe online.

The cryptocurrency market is changing and growing daily, with new coins created weekly. While the broader market is struggling with weak demand and remains at a critical juncture, Cardano’s ADA is among the top-performing altcoins.

The 8th largest cryptocurrency by market cap has made a breakout of the local support of $0.6638 and could test the $0.70 zone soon, according to U.Today. When discussing the bullish outlook for the ADA price prediction, it’s essential to understand that the Securities and Exchange Commission’s potential approval of Grayscale’s Cardano ETF filing can impact liquidity and trading volumes. 

Investors and traders aren’t the only ones interested in cryptocurrency. Hackers are thrilled with the idea of unregulated money, which opens new attack vectors and allows them to disappear, leaving no trace. ADA and other cryptocurrency transactions can’t be reversed, altered, or cancelled.

Once transactions have been written to the blockchain – in other words, confirmed – they become immutable. If threat actors get access to or transfer funds from a victim’s wallet, the money is lost forever. Neither transactions nor accounts are connected to real-world identities, so it’s easy for hackers to remain unidentified when they use cryptocurrency, 

****Cyberattacks Are An Ever-Present Threat, And The Crypto World Is No Exception** **

No threat facing the world has grown so fast, or in a way as difficult to understand, as the danger from cyberattacks. Investors and traders must understand that the inherent risk is increasing; cybercriminals are getting smarter, and their tactics are becoming more sophisticated. There are multiple types of cyberattacks where malicious actors take advantage of cryptocurrencies, such as: 

*   **_Ransomware_:** When ransomware occurs in the crypto space, malware encrypts files containing the victim’s private keys or digital wallet, making them unreadable. The attacker demands a ransom to provide the encryption key. As a rule, hackers demand payment in the form of cryptocurrency. Infection methods include phishing emails, malicious websites, and compromised accounts. 

*   **_DDoS extorsion_:** Threat actors blackmail crypto exchanges or blockchain networks by asking them to pay ADA or any other cryptocurrency to avoid their site or service being disrupted by a DDoS attack. The system may struggle to process transactions. Plus, legitimate users can’t connect to network resources.

*   **_Crypto hijacking_:** The computing power of a compromised device is used to mine cryptocurrency without the owner’s knowledge (Also called cryptomining). Smartphones, servers, and computers are vulnerable to crypto hijacking. Applications may be able to access data and information from the device or other applications. Unlike malware, control is camouflaged in the background. 

****We Suggest These Steps To Secure Your Cryptocurrency** ******Transfer Crypto From A Centralized Exchange To A Self-Custody Wallet** **

If you wish to own Cardano’s ADA, you can choose from among the many crypto exchanges that provide this service. Of course, you must give priority to the security features. Otherwise, you risk losing your hard-earned savings. Crypto exchanges are some of the most targeted in terms of cyberattacks, and while most attempts by hackers have been successfully mitigated, there have been several reports of damaging attacks. Find a reliable exchange with strong security measures and strong DDoS prevention tools. 

Better yet, withdraw your funds to a secure wallet to stay in control of your assets. Due to the difficulty of effectively implementing safety measures, crypto exchanges can’t fully guarantee protection. Whether they call it withdrawing, sending, or transferring, crypto exchanges let you move your funds to a wallet that is compatible with the asset you’re relocating.

A self-custody wallet puts you in complete control of your cryptocurrency, so you must take full responsibility for the security. Lock your account when not in use to make it harder for others to access your account. 

****Keep Safe Backups Of Everything** **

No matter what type of wallet you use, having a backup of your data ensures quick recovery and minimizes information loss. Go to your wallet’s settings and select the backup option or the export keys option; encrypt your backups to protect against unauthorized access. If you lose your wallet’s private keys, you’ve permanently lost your cryptocurrency. Keep multiple backups on different devices, such as USB drives and paper, which aren’t prone to failure. This way, you have alternate recovery paths. 

****When Dealing With Unsolicited Messages, Be Careful** **

One of the most prevalent social engineering techniques, phishing, involves sending deceptive messages that seem to be from legitimate sources. Don’t reply without investigating. Most importantly, never confront the sender of a phishing message yourself because it could result in you being targeted specifically. The sender doesn’t even know if your number is active.

Refrain from opening attachments or clicking on links from unidentified sources even if the sender seems familiar, as you can potentially infect your phone. A phishing link can direct you to a website containing malicious code. You can always use a free site like VirusTotal to scan for malicious files and links before executing/opening them.

Replying to unsolicited messages increases the chances of receiving more spam, so you should block the number. It requires a few adjustments in your settings. Android phones allow for freedom when it comes to customization, so the process will vary from device to device.

Many phones have built-in options to filter out messages from unknown senders or mark texts as spam. Be cautious when sharing your phone number online with unfamiliar organizations because it exposes you to other social engineering-based tactics, such as pretexting, quid pro quo, or vishing. 

****In Closing** **

Cyberattacks have become increasingly targeted and complex due to sophisticated pieces of malware. Individual users are more vulnerable than ever before since hackers have adapted their strategies to exploit weaknesses in smart contracts, wallets, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. As such, it’s necessary to take personal responsibility and protect yourself. Acquire new skills, expand your knowledge, and, above all, shift your perspective.

Image credits: Free Vector | Realistic cardano coin illustration

Cybersecurity in Crypto: Best Practices to Prevent Theft and Fraud

tj-actions changed-files through 45.0.7 allows remote attackers to discover secrets by reading actions logs. (The tags v1 through v45.0.7 were not originally affected, but were modified by a threat actor to point at commit 0e58ed8, which contains the malicious updateFeatures code.)

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#auth